Women are shaping the future of franchising—and doing so with measurable impact. In her article “The Female Franchise Effect: Impact, Influence and Innovation,” Maggie Harlow, CEO of Signarama Downtown Louisville, explores the growing presence, influence, and strategic advantage of women in the franchise world. Today, women make up 30% of all franchise owners in the United States—a 38% increase over the past decade. Progress is clear, but Harlow argues that parity remains the goal. “It’s not a glass ceiling so much as it is a thick layer of men,” she writes, urging continued advocacy and visibility for women at every level of the industry.
Harlow, a longtime franchise leader and advocate, views being a woman in franchising not as a challenge but as an advantage. Women, she notes, bring a holistic, collaborative approach to leadership that strengthens organizations from the inside out. In traditionally male-dominated industries like signage, women owners stand out and attract attention that can translate into stronger customer relationships and expanded markets. As Harlow observes, “Give women space, and they will draw more women into that space”—a concept that applies equally to customer growth and workplace inclusion.
Part of what makes franchising so appealing to women, Harlow explains, is its built-in structure of support. The franchise model offers independence and mentorship, allowing owners to run their own businesses while benefiting from a larger network of peers. Harlow likens it to being “the captain of my Signarama ship” while sailing alongside “an entire fleet of other Signarama ship owners.” That collaborative spirit creates an environment where women can learn from one another, share strategies, and lift each other toward long-term success.
Drawing on her own experience, Harlow illustrates how franchising can be both empowering and transformative. After 15 years in the automotive industry, she transitioned to Signarama ownership to take control of her time, work environment, and creative output. The move delivered the personal and professional freedom she sought. “My worst day in franchise ownership still beats my best day working for someone else,” she writes—a sentiment that echoes across countless women who have found purpose and independence through franchise ownership.
Despite progress, Harlow stresses that women must continue pushing forward: building confidence, speaking up in professional spaces, and asking for what they deserve. Her message is one of persistence and empowerment, both individually and collectively. As women continue to enter and lead within the franchising sector, their influence will not only reshape the industry—it will redefine what leadership looks like.
This article was originally published by Franchising Magazine USA.